The Greenland Ice Cap Human Powered Speed Record
The fastest man on land now plans to turn his passion for Human Power to the ice in a challenge called "Pedal the Icecap". In the spring of 2008, Greg will set out to pedal across the worlds second largest ice cap on the largest island in the world - Greenland, in a human powered vehicle designed specifically for efficient travel through this harsh winter environment.
For more information on Greg's ice cap crossing human powered vehicle, see "About the Human Powered Vehicle"
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300 miles across the second largest ice cap in the world Again Greg is challenging tradition: What happens when we mix cutting edge technology with optimal human performance to cross an ice cap in record time? Can we use technology to improve upon the tried and true cross country ski? -50 degrees Cesius, 6000 feet of elevation gain, 5.8 million square miles of ice that is 3000 meters feet thick. And polar bears. For decades, adventurers have been trekking across the Greenland ice cap by ski and pulling heavy sleds carrying all of their supplies. The fastest crossing to date was set by Norwegian Sjur Mordre in 1995 in 8 days. Certainly weather conditions at the time of the crossing are an extremely important factor in Greg's attempt to break Sjur's 8 day crossing record, but also crucial is the peak physical conditioning that Greg will have to attain. To break the current 8 day record, Greg will have to make forward progress for up to 20 hours per day when conditions allow. And of course, staying true to Greg's ideal ofcombining cutting edge innovation with the limits of human performance, it will be exreney important to utilize the absolute most efficient form of converting human power to forward motion across the extreme conditions of the Greenland ice cap. Greg and his team will be experimenting with various human powered ice cap crossing concepts this winter in the Canadian Rockies where he lives. |
Childhood obesity matters
When Greg Kolodziejzyk set the 24hr Human Powered Speed Record in his Critical Power human powered vehicle he showed the world something profound. Greg showed us that there is one place we can look to find the courage we need to face and overcome the challenge that threatens to disadvantage our children; within ourselves.
Our modern sedentary lifestyle is putting our kids at risk of becoming the first generation that will have a life expectancy shorter than that of their parents. Childhood obesity can cause poor self esteem and be socially isolating. In adulthood, being seriously over-weight can often lead to illness and premature death. Unfortunately, between 10 and 15% of our children are obese. Obesity in childhood often leads to obesity in adulthood. Most parents want the best for their children - including the chance to lead a long and healthy life. For obese children this goal is seriously threatened.
Pedal the Ice Cap represents our faith in the future ... 